Conclusions and challenges for the future

To improve distributive impacts and promote equality and social cohesion in Latin America and the Caribbean, effective public policies will be required in a variety of key areas. First, public policy needs to achieve the greatest possible results in terms of economic growth and employment, since without steady, sustained growth in the economy the demand for social assistance proliferates while the resources needed to finance the necessary State actions are hard to obtain. Second, modernization of social policies is vital, and this includes both education and vocational training policies designed to increase people’s capabilities and policies constituting a rights-based social protection paradigm. Furthermore, these can have a positive feedback effect on economic growth.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions